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German defender in hospital, superhero who saves lives on match day

2022-10-19 14:22:00, Sport CNA

Marcel Franke (Dresden, 5-4-1993) is used to avoiding goals. Now it also saves lives. The center back of Karlsruhe (Bundesliga 2) has emerged as a superhero of the football world. Six years ago, while playing for Greuther Fürth, he signed up for a stem cell donation program through a non-profit organization (DKMS).

Three months ago, the phone call he had been waiting for so long finally came. His cells completely matched those of a patient diagnosed with leukemia.

"I talked to my wife, we were clear that we would do it. To be able to save someone's life is a wonderful feeling," Franke told DPA (German Press Agency).

Franke, who has started every game to date, timed the donation to coincide with the Darmstadt transfer: "I did some preliminary research, told the coaching staff I would like to do it and they were immediately enthusiastic."

The Karlsruhe centre-back underwent an injection so that the stem cells could be better transported from the bone marrow into the blood. During the week he continued to train, but not at a high intensity, until the big day arrived on Thursday.

"It's a relatively relaxing process. Anyone can do it," says Franke, who spent three hours in the hospital. "The satisfaction of what you can achieve is greater than the effort it took me. Unfortunately, there are still many people out there waiting for a donor. I encourage everyone to register and help save lives," said the 29-year-old from the hospital bed.





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